Winter Greens: What to look for winter 2017

Sure, everyone likes the red, white, and green flowers that make up winter arrangements, but what about the greens?  Greenery used in the winter can elevate a design from a standard arrangement to a spectacular winter-themed design.  So what kind of greens are used in the winter to make these arrangements?

White pine:



White pine is the longer-needled pine often seen during the colder months.  Despite its sharp needles, this green actually adds a softer, willowy look to an arrangement.

Princess Pine:



In contrast to white pine, princess pine has short, tight needles that add structure to a piece.

Variegated Holly:



While wild type holly has leaves that are fully green, variegated holly has been developed to have a cream piping around the edges to stand out against other greens.  Plus, the bright red berries add a colorful pop to an arrangement!

Seeded Eucalyptus:



Seeded eucalyptus is available year round, but it really shines in winter designs.  The faded green also looks wonderful as a garland on a mantel or table.

So, next time you get a winter arrangement, look at the greens as well as the flowers, they might be just as pretty!

-Your flower (and greens!) loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.

5 Tips for a Pro Bouquet!

We've all been there-you want to buy flowers for someone but have no idea where to start when it comes to designing.  So, here's a step by step guide to put together a bouquet like a seasoned pro (and maybe even impress our designers, too!)

Tip 1: Have a theme.

A one or two word theme will help narrow down your flower choices.  For example, a 'celebration' theme will usually include brighter colors and interesting shapes, while a 'traditional anniversary' will use classic flowers like red roses. 

Tip 2: Know your colors.

One fun way to put together a bouquet is by having a main color.  You could use oranges and reds for a fall theme, or soft purples and pinks to celebrate a birth.  TIP: Some colors aren't widespread in flowers.  Blue is very rare in natural flowers, so to get a blue bouquet you may end up with artificially painted blooms.

Tip 3: Have one favorite.

Designers can come up with bouquets without needing a single flower suggestion from you, but if you know someone's favorite flower (or least favorite!), it will help shape the design.  Also helpful: knowing any allergies someone might have to things like stargazer lilies, which have a scent.

Tip 4: Know your height.

If you're purchasing a bouquet for someone, make sure they have a vase that will fit the flowers you're buying.  Tall flowers may need to be cut to fit a shorter vase.

Tip 5: Be open to interpretation. 

Designers love creating unique bouquets.  A few guidelines help, but giving them creative freedom will allow them to put together a brand new design that likely has never been seen before!  Give us an idea of what you're looking for, then let us loose in the cooler for a great bouquet!

So there you go, five tips to putting together the perfect bouquet!  What's the best bouquet you've ever received?  Let us know in a comment below.

-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift.

Meet our supplier: Doug

We at Hummingbird love our suppliers, so we wanted to introduce them to you and show off all the amazing blooms they bring us.

Meet Doug, one of our local suppliers.

Doug with Lugene of Hummingbird Floral

Doug grows out of Prarie Garden Farm in Starbuck, Minnesota.  His farm not only features flowers, but handmade pottery and even a herd of sheep.  Some of the unique and hard to find flowers he grows during the season include:

Celosia (Cockscomb)


An eye catching shape in neon pink, including cockscomb in your arrangement will be sure to have guests asking "What kind of flower is that?"

Rose Lily


Rose lilies are truly a cut above the more common sold at most flower shops.  Several layers of petals give this flower its name, giving them even more volume than a standard lily.

Queen Anne's lace


Queen Anne's lace is a delicate flower that can be used in place of or in addition to babies breath.

Tuberose 


Tuberose have a mild, Jasmine-like scent and a small, bright white flower that's perfect for small bouquets.

Lisianthus



Lisianthus have a longer stem with round blooms to add height to your arrangement.

Zinnia



Zinnias come in several bright colors that add a pop of color to any bouquet.

We at Hummingbird love buying from local, small businesses like Doug.  It's always a pleasure to see the amazing flowers he brings to us.  If you'd like to see more of Doug and his flowers, visit his website here or come on by the store to see which of his high-quality stems we have in stock.

-Your flower-loving friends at Hummingbird Floral and Gift